7 of 14 Biblical Principles About Sport, Business and Life: Success and Excellence, Part I

7 of 14 Biblical Principles About Sport, Business and Life: Part I

Achieving success in both life, sport and business involves a combination of personal growth, professional development, and a commitment to your goals. What can you learn from athletes?  What can you learn from the bible?

Here are some key principles that can help you "be the winner" in both aspects of life with biblical support:

1. Set Clear Goals: Define your objectives in both personal and business life. Having clear, well-defined goals provides direction and purpose.

Habakkuk 2:2-3  
“And the Lord answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.”

2. Continuous Learning: Stay curious and committed to learning. In business, this could mean staying updated with industry trends. In personal life, it might involve self-improvement and acquiring new skills.  In sport, it might mean new and improved techniques.

Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you."

3. Time Management: Effectively manage your time by prioritizing tasks and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Strive for a balance that suits you between your career and personal life. Remember that "winning" in life isn't just about business achievements but also personal fulfillment and happiness.

Proverbs 16:9 “A person plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.”

4. Resilience: Be prepared for setbacks and failures. They're a part of life and business. You can’t win them all.  What matters is how you bounce back from them.

Ephesians 6:10-11 “Finally, be strong in the Lord, relying on his mighty strength. Put on the whole armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the Devil’s strategies.”

5. Adaptability: Embrace change and be adaptable. The business landscape and life circumstances are constantly evolving.  Opponents in sport change daily.  Adjust to circumstances and competitors.

Philippians 4:11-13 “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

6. Networking: Build and maintain a strong professional and personal network. Connections can open up opportunities and provide support.  This includes coaches, advisors, teammates.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-11 “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.”

 
7. Communication: Develop strong communication skills. Effective communication is crucial in both personal relationships and business dealings.   A proper approach and style is effective among team and mentors in business and sport. Adjust your own communication style to the idealist, procedural, team oriented and activist types.  

James 1:19 “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;”

For an Expanded Explanation See:  

Baglino, Michael J. Europe Meets Florida: Encounters with Psychology, Culture and Religion.  New York: LT Publishing, 2023.  

The New American Bible.  Washington, D. C.:  World Catholic Press.  2011.

Orlick, Terry.  In Pursuit of Excellence: How to Win in Sport and Life Through Mental Training. Champaign, Illinois: Human Kinetics. 2016.